The Namibia Futsal Women’s team has been pitted against Africa’s toughest nation at the upcoming 2025 Futsal African Cup of Nations. 

The tournament is slated for 22 to 30 April in Rabat, Morocco, and will see the Futsal Gladiators 5 square off against the highly-ranked host nation as well as Cameroon in Group A. 

Reacting to the news, Futsal Namibia’s vice chairman Absai Simon said it’s a tough group that they are in, but they will have to embrace the challenge. 

“Morrocco is a highly-ranked team, and Cameroon is another equally tough opponent. I know the group we are drawn in is a tough one, but we have to embrace the challenge. If we hope to become the best, it will mean that we have to face the tough guys,” he observed. 

“Morocco is the top-ranked team, and most of these other teams are making their debuts. So, our fear is mostly Morocco, and we hope we get a win against Cameroon to ensure that we make history”. 

“Overall, it’s an interesting tournament, and we will take the challenges as they come. But we are excited to be one of the countries that are taking part in this tournament,” he continued. 

This event symbolises a significant opportunity for the development and recognition of women’s futsal across Africa. 

Namibia’s Futsal Gladiators 5 will be making their debut in this competition, marking a significant milestone for women’s futsal in Namibia. This follows the participation of Namibia’s men’s futsal team, the Brave 5, in their first CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations in April 2024 in Rabat, Morocco. 

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na